THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 2, 1996 TAG: 9603020026
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
The news that preoccupies us is generally bad, often sensational. We fixate on natural disasters, heinous crimes, dispiriting politics and worrisome economics. Yet 100 years from now, this is likely to be remembered as an age of miracles.
Day by day, piece by piece, researchers are putting together a jigsaw puzzle of genes. To many of us the story is mysterious. After repeated announcements, we tend to grow jaded. Yet the 2,500-year-old axiom of the Greeks - know thyself - is coming more literally true than we could have dreamed even a few short years ago.
At Duke University, scientists say they may have found the genetic mechanism whereby Hungtington's disease, schizophrenia and manic depression occur. The code of the newly discovered gene is garbled, what scientists describe as ``a molecular stutter.'' But this microscopic flaw can lead to macroscopic disaster for the afflicted individual.
Meanwhile, researchers at Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington have reported new understanding of how a gene known as BRCA1 prevents the growth of cells that lead to breast cancer and, when defective, permits tumors to occur.
By a process of accretion, genetic knowledge accumulates, a more precise understanding of the physical mechanisms of life is achieved and cures for deadly and debilitating diseases come closer. In addition to a variety of cancers and Huntington's disease, the genetic gumshoes are on the trail of Alzheimers, Lou Gehrig's disease, alcoholism and dozens of other scourges.
When tempted to conclude we are living in the worst of times, it is useful to pause and recall that we are at the threshold of wonders. Less than 100 years ago, the work of the monk Gregor Mendel, father of genetics, became widely known - indicating the existence of the yet-to-be discovered genes and implying a rulebook for heredity.
It is only 40 years ago that the Tinkertoy model of Watson and Crick demonstrated how the DNA of genes is cunningly arranged to make the replication of life a reality. And now the code is being broken, the stutters are being diagnosed and remedies are being sought. We are lucky to be alive to see it. by CNB